Patient benefits in the treatment of psoriasis: long-term outcomes in German routine care 2007-2014

BackgroundPsoriasis is associated with significant patient burden. Few studies have specifically measured patient preferences and benefits. ObjectivesOutcomes assessment using the Patient Benefit Index (PBI) in nationwide psoriasis surveys comparing health care in 2007 and 2014. MethodsThis was a non-interventional, cross-sectional survey conducted in 2007 and 2014 in randomly selected dermatological practices and clinics recording by a) physicians: comorbidity, clinical severity (PASI, GCA), and b) patients: quality of life (DLQI, EQ-5D), patient-relevant therapeutic benefits (PBI) and previous and curent treatments. ResultsIn 2014, a total of n = 1265 patients (43.4% female, mean age 51.9 14.3 years.; mean disease duration 21.6 +/- 15.4 years.) were included. Overall PBI was 2.8 +/- 1.1. A total of 91.6% of patients showed a more than minimum clinically relevant benefit (PBI>1). Patients treated with biologics and biologics combined with conventional systemics showed the highest benefit compared to patients with conventional systemic treatment and patients treated with topical steroids. In comparison with the 2007 survey (n = 2009), there was an increase in PBI from 2.5 +/- 1.1 to 2.8 +/- 1.1 and a gain of patients with high benefits (PBI 3) by 30% (38.5% vs. 49.4%). ConclusionIn German routine care, psoriasis patients have shown increased therapeutic benefits over time with highest benefits deriving from biologics combined with systemics.